Unable to obtain enough information

Last week I was implanted with a biventricular pacemaker/defibrillator. I understand it is supposed to resynchronize my heart beat - as I have a lower left bundle branch blockage. (Among other problems) My primary symptom was shortness of breath with frequent fatigue. - and I have had episodes of V-tach captured on a holter monitor (hence the defibrillator I am assuming....) My question is this: If the pacer is synchronizing my heart beat, is it always working? Does this wear down the battery more quickly? The medtronic sales rep was present for the implant and the tests the next day - he said the pacer "would intervene - only when my pulse got below 60 or if I needed the defibrillator" To me - his response made no sense as that type of functioning wouldn't resolve the asynchronization.problem I was told the pacer was needed for to begin with -does any one else have a biventricular pacer and a better grasp of how it functions? - Also - as the relief from symptoms is mild at this point - so I am wondering how/ if I would know if there was a problem with the leads or anything..... Thanks so much for any insight. PD

3 Comments

Pacemaker

by hooimom - 2007-09-10 06:09:22

Hi PreciousDays,

I have an on-demand pacemaker. The timing between the atria and ventricle is totally off and my PM kicks when my heart rate drops below 60. My heart can function on its own at times but other times it gets irregular and slows down. My Medtronic can sense when the problem arises and sends the impulse then. At my current PM setting, my heart is working on its own 64% of the time and I am paced 36% of the time. The battery usage depends on how much is demanded from my PM.

Like you, my primary symptoms were shortness of breath and fatigue. You are still recovering from your surgery and adjusting to the new PM so give yourself a little time to heal before you worry too much about the symptoms. It took me a few weeks to feel good again and more like 2 or 3 months to really feel strong. Do you have an appointment for an interrogation or doctor's visit soon? Make a list of these questions and concerns and take it with you. You'll forget everything when you get there if you don't have all your questions written down. Keep asking questions until you feel comfortable with the answers. It is the only way you'll understand everything that is going on. I have had my PM for almost 14 months now and I am still learning new things all the time. Medtronic has a website that has some great information about PMs and heart problems. Check that out sometime.

It will get easier!
Michelle

The Truth

by SMITTY - 2007-09-10 06:09:54

Bravo for the Medtronic rep. He told you the truth! Now get your doctor to answer your other questions.

Goo dluck

Smitty

bi-ventricular/ICD

by Brenda Price - 2007-09-11 07:09:22

My implant date was 7-10-07. this is my 4th pacemaker and my first ICD. The surgery was a little more than expected and recovery was longer,The shortness of breath is improving and I am walking 2 miles per day and doing most of my house work. I go to football games shopping ect.I am also considering returning to work part-time. I rest when tired and find every day I improve.I had a very good Medtronic rep. that talked me through the ups and downs and an excellent physician that listens to me. give yourself time. I was told it could take months to get the maximun benefit

You know you're wired when...

You can hear your heartbeat in your cell phone.

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Good luck with your surgery. It will improve life amazingly.